Iran's State Television Broadcasts Hacked with Pro-Pahlavi Messages
Hackers successfully disrupted Iran's state television satellite broadcasts during ongoing nationwide unrest. The breach aired footage supporting exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi and called on security forces to avoid targeting protesters. Online videos captured the incident early Monday, showing the unauthorized transmission across multiple channels.
Broadcast Details and Content
The hacked footage appeared Sunday night on several satellite channels operated by Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB). This state broadcaster maintains a monopoly over television and radio within Iran. The transmission featured two clips of Pahlavi, whose father was overthrown during the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
The broadcast also showed images of men appearing to be members of Iran's security forces. On-screen messages claimed that some security personnel had "laid down their weapons and sworn allegiance to the people." These assertions came without supporting evidence.
One graphic directly addressed military forces, stating: "This is a message to the army and security forces. Don't point your weapons at the people. Join the nation for the freedom of Iran."
Pahlavi's Direct Address to Military
In the broadcast, Pahlavi spoke directly to Iran's military forces. He emphasized: "You are the national army of Iran, not the Islamic Republic's army. You have a duty to protect your own lives. Join the people as soon as possible."
Pahlavi's office later confirmed that footage of the crown prince appeared during the disruption. The statement offered no further comment about the incident.
Official Response and Acknowledgment
Iran's semiofficial Fars news agency acknowledged the satellite signal disruption. The agency, believed to have close ties to the Revolutionary Guard, reported that signals were briefly disrupted in "some areas" by an unknown source. Fars did not disclose what content aired during the breach.
Context of Nationwide Protests
The hack occurred as Iranian authorities intensify their crackdown on protests that began in late December. Initial demonstrations focused on worsening economic conditions but have since evolved into broader anti-government movements.
The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported at least 3,919 people killed during the unrest. The organization warned this figure will likely increase as more information emerges from Iran, where the government has severely restricted internet access.
Iranian officials have not released an official death toll. However, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei acknowledged that "several thousand" people were killed. He blamed the United States for instigating the unrest.
Regional Tensions and International Response
Tensions between Tehran and Washington remain elevated. President Donald Trump warned Iran against killing peaceful protesters or conducting mass executions.
Meanwhile, US ship-tracking data shows the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and accompanying destroyers moving toward a route that could bring them to the Middle East. This movement adds to regional unease amid the ongoing crisis.
The television hack highlights growing pressure on Iran's leadership as protests continue across the country. The breach represents a significant challenge to state media control during a period of intense domestic turmoil.
